A modern classification of pesticides used in the protection of agricultural plants from pests, diseases and weeds is given. The basics of agronomic toxicology are considered; the impact of pesticides on the environment and the main directions for improving the environmental safety of the use of chemical plant protection products in integrated systems; sanitary and hygienic and physical and chemical bases of pesticide use. The characteristics and regulations for the use of the main pesticides permitted in the territory of the Russian Federation are described (norms, terms, methods and features of their use). For students of agricultural universities studying in agronomic specialties.